‘True Life’ Check-In: Amanda And Rhonda Talk About Life After Surrogacy

Today’s “True Life” explored the stories of two young women who tried their hand at surrogacy. We had an opportunity to check in with them and find out how their lives have changed since filming wrapped. Take a look at the follow-up Q&As below.

RHONDALooking back on the surrogacy, do you have any regrets?
I don’t have any regrets, really. I just don’t want my experience to project a negative outlook on how people view surrogacy. My journey ended with a different outcome then we had hoped for, but it was for the best! I have friends who were surrogates that have had beautiful experiences and a happy relationship with their surrogate babies’ families.

How do you feel about putting Chris through the process?
Christopher and I have a very happy and healthy relationship. As much as we talked and discussed this process, and as supportive as Chris wanted to be, I don’t think either of us knew how he was going to react. Even if I had wanted to continue to try and be a surrogate, I’m not sure Chris could have kept going with it, and I wouldn’t have thought twice about stopping the whole process.

Where do you live now?
We recently moved from Detroit, MI to Phoenix, AZ! Chris was offered a position teaching chess out here, and we haven’t looked back since. It’s beautiful in Phoenix. Every day feels like a vacation! We’re doing great, but the only downside is being so far away from my family.

Will you and Chris continue to try to have a baby?
Chris and I are still trying to get pregnant. Wish us luck it’ll happen soon!

While they were filming, was it awkward to be inseminated with a camera outside your door?
Haha…well, I was in a house with people I had just met, trying to get pregnant with a man’s sperm (who was not my husband), all while my husband was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I’d say the cameras were the least of my worries!

AMANDAHow did your visit go when your family went to see Kelly and the babies?
It was a wonderful visit! We had a ton of fun hanging with her family, and it was really neat to see how much the babies had grown. Our families are very close and get along really well.

How old are the babies now? How are they doing?
The babies are 5 1/2-months-old. They are doing wonderfully! They are healthy, beautiful and getting so big.

How often do you speak with Kelly these days? Are you still as close?
Kelly and I speak everyday. We are still super close, we’re actually the best of friends!